Whatever our religious beliefs and philosophies, we are all united

Our nation is stunned. Tragic violence and profound loss are the
realities we f ace. In such times, each of us is called to come
forward and help. Whatever our religious beliefs or philosophical
perspective, we are united by the need to sup port our community
and nation to help. Here are a few suggestions as to how you can
help now. Begin with yourself and your family. Every person in our
society is in shock right now about the horrifying violence we have
witnessed. Realize that each of us will have a unique response.
Anger, disbelief, fear, despair, sadness-all of these feelings are
normal reactions to such terrifying events. Allow yourself an d
your loved ones to experience feelings of trauma. Care for yourself
and your loved ones with great sensitivity and warmth. All of us
have been hurt, and self- care is the beginning of
healing.

Monitor your reactions and the reactions of your loved ones. In
a crisis, it's normal to have difficulty concentrating. Watch your
driving and other activities that require concentration. During a
crisis, our judgment is altered by strong e motions. Try not to
make major decisions until our society is calmer and safer. When we
are hurt, it is natural to want to retaliate. Be careful with your
anger , especially realizing that feelings of anger are normal now,
but hostile action s and words will have long-term
consequences.

Contribute to your community. Our sense of safety and belonging
has been hurt deeply by this violence. It is essential that we
repair brokenness. Do what you ca n to nurture our community and
nation. Donate blood. Give money to relief agencies. Attend
services or your religious community. Reach out to neighbors in
grief . Volunteer at a local community service agency. Every
positive contribution to our community and nation is a healing glue
that repairs cracks in our sense of togetherness.

Some of us will need professional help. If your suffering is
more than you can bear or if you are acting dangerously or
inappropriately, don't go it alone. Reach out to a clergyperson, a
mental health professional, your local hospital emergency room, or
call the Red Cross for a referral to your local crisis counseling
center.

Your nation needs your help now. Make a difference by working on
these suggestions for caring for yourself and others

(Editor's Note: The writer is the executive director of the
Grace Counseling Center, an ecumenical pastoral counseling center
in Madison and Mendham.)

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In recent weeks, Long Hill Township and Watchung Borough passed ordinances allowing their police departments to be able to apply for surplus equipment from the Department of Defense. Long Hill recently procured a Humvee to use in times of flooding, which Watchung states as the reason they are getting into the program. However, in cities around the country, police forces have used the program to obtain military gear, such as weapons and armor.
For more background, go to the link below
http://www.newjerseyhills.com/echoes-sentinel/news/watchung-police-department-hopes-to-receive-equipment-from-department-of/article_12ad002a-92b3-5449-a2cc-4b2cf0ce4339.html